Counterintuitive Fall 2024

New Thesis: Examining how music therapy is a treatment for individuals dealing with depression.

Depression in our current society

Depression is a common mood disorder that affects the lives of many people today. Depression affects the way a person speaks, thinks, acts, and changes ones lifestyle. According to NIH, it causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. Throughout life, everyone is bound to experience depression at their own time. Some people experience it earlier than others. According to Psychology Today,  The mood disorder may descend seemingly out of the blue, or it may come on the heels of a defeat or personal loss, producing persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism, or guilt. Despite depression interfering with aspects of our everyday functioning. It’s always bound to happen. But there’s always a reason why things happen to us and usually this is what builds our character and maturity as life goes on. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from the disorder. Depression also has an affect to the body, both physically and mentally. According to Psychology Today, Researchers have some evidence that depression susceptibility is related to diet, both directly—through inadequate consumption of nutrients such as omega-3 fats—and indirectly, through the variety of bacteria that populate the gut. But depression involves mood and thoughts as well as the body, and it causes pain for both those living with the disorder and those who care about them.

Now you may ask, what are the different symptoms of depression? To know if someone has depression depends on their mood or behavior change. But everyone is different, some experience a lot of symptoms, some experience few. Depression could be laziness, not doing any school work and being on your phone all day could be a symptom of depression. A loss of a friend or a family member could make someone feel heartbroken which is a sign of depression. Someone who recently broke up with his girlfriend and goes to the gym everyday to bounce back from his loss is a sign of depression. Decreased energy or fatigue or disruptions of sleep are signs of depression. Anything that shows signs of pessimism or a negative change of character means someone is depressed.

Depression can also be treated. Everyone is different, everyone has their own ways of dealing with things. But what’s important is to get the treatment as early as possible, no matter what form of treatment it is. But if it’s an extreme disorder of depression, people turn to medication and physicians. According to Psychology today, Appropriate treatment for depression starts with an examination by a physician. Certain medications, as well as some medical conditions such as viral infections or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression and should be ruled out. But mild disorders of depression, could just be treated by self-care or talking to a friend. Everyone has their own way of coping, it’s the matter of getting through it without giving up.

In conclusion, depression has been a problem in modern day society for years now. This is because of the rise of popularity in social media. Social media takes a toll on people’s lives, causing people to care too much about what people think of them. Which didn’t exist back in the day. Small petty things such as how many likes did I get in a post, causes people to already lose their minds. But as people grow, everyone eventually gets newer problems. Because life is set that way, we aren’t meant to always be happy, there will always be a roadblock that stops us eventually. It’s all about self-development and finding ourselves at the end of the day.

References

We need links to your sources, either in your text, or in your References, or in both.

“Depression.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.

Kumar Gupta, Gaurav, and Dilip Kumar Sharma. Depression Detection on Social Media with the Aid of … – IEEE Xplore, ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9441093/. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.

“What Is Depression?” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, http://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/depression. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.

Witters, Dan. “U.S. Depression Rates Reach New Highs.” Gallup.Com, Gallup, 14 Sept. 2023, news.gallup.com/poll/505745/depression-rates-reach-new-highs.aspx#:~:text=Rates%20Among%20Women%2C%20Young%20Adults,rate%20of%20men%20since%202017.

What makes a GOAT

A GOAT which is the greatest of all time is a title not handed out to many, and is one any athlete strives to achieve with that as the ultimate goal besides a championship. But what makes a GOAT? As described in (Streeter, 2023) GOAT’s are every where in sports as they are normally just described as the sports best athletes of all time, however what really sets these athletes apart from the rest in their sports. For example Tom Brady won seven Super Bowls which is the greatest achievement you can win in football and Brady has the most ever won. This is one of the GOAT’s in sports but none set the bar as high as Michael Jordan won six championships in his career and never lost a single championship, as he also holds records for the best regular season average of points of all time and when it matters the most he also holds the record for most playoffs points scored a game. There are some more meanings to the word GOAT, for example as described in (Brooks, 2022) this article explains how there’s times in sports where there are multiple player’s being called the goat for example in soccer Messi and Ronaldo are considered by many people the GOATS of the sports however there can only be one GOAT and this leads to many fans fighting over who is better. This is also in the NBA however in different circumstances, for example LeBron’s James is many peoples GOATS however many believe its Michael Jordan and this is when it gets hard to compare players especially when they are from different times and have never played against each other. The article also goes onto explain how one can be a GOAT over another such as how the player or athlete has changed the sport they play in. For example the effect that this player had on the children watching the game that made them want to be like them or if they got them into sports.

References

Streeter, K. (2023, July 3). GOATs are everywhere in sports. so what really defines greatness? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/03/sports/tennis/greatest-athlete-of-all-time.html#:~:text=Defining%20the%20term%20as%20%E2%80%9Cthe,the%20acronym%20had%20become%20dictionary

Brooks, M. (2022, December 27). GOAT meaning: what does the term G.O.A.T. mean in sport – why Lionel Messi and Pelé are often called it. NationalWorld. https://www.nationalworld.com/sport/other-sport/goat-meaning-what-does-the-term-goat-mean-in-sport-why-tom-brady-and-rafael-nadal-are-often-called-it-3568312

TikTok Cure

Depression is more than just feelings of sadness, it is debilitating, dark, and a time filled with sorrow. Having depression makes a victim feel like a puppet on a string; not allowing them to eat, bathe, or attend work or school. It is common to feel sorrow, but depression amplifies these feelings, causing one to feel as though they are drowning. In extreme cases, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions, causing the sufferer to harm oneself or even end ones life due to the extreme sadness which encapsulates their every move.

It is of critical importance that each person who may be struggling with depression gets necessary help through therapy, or another positive outlet which they feel comfortable indulging in to cope with the enervating life depressive thoughts force to take shape. When consulting the correct form of therapy, each individual is able to move past the trapping depressive state and resume normal behaviors and life activities. The outlet in which one chooses to consult may differ depending on the person. While some people choose to turn to a therapist, close friend or family member, others choose to find a group in which they relate to on social media that provides the sufferer with a group to serve as their rock during that period of time.

Throughout history, the stigma behind mental health, more importantly depression, has changed dramatically from generation to generation. While some generations considered any depressive or sorrowful feelings to be a hoax, others found them to be extremely important. Within recent years, the concept of a “mental health day” from school or work in order to cure the depressive episode one may be suffering from at the time has been normalized. Not only has the mindset and acceptance level regarding depression changed over time, the way in which sufferers choose to cope with their sadness does as well. Several decades ago, the mood disorder would have been overlooked and those who had fallen into the deep dark hole of depression would have been told to “toughen up”, at least those of whom chose to make their sadness known. Within recent years, the awareness of the struggle of individuals suffering from depression has been on the up and up, creating additional resources for those who need them to overcome the weight depression is placing on their shoulders. Through more resources have becoming available, sufferers now have numerous options to choose from when attempting to cope with depressive thoughts and emotions. Some choose to attend regularly scheduled therapy sessions, whereas others turn to online communities made up of members who share their same struggle and sorrow to find relief. 

With the continuous expansion of the power and popularity of social mediums, teens feel the need to spend more time on them. Sources claim that TikTok can serve as an addiction for teens, increasing levels of depression by seeing the unrealistic “perfect lives” of content creators. In reality, teens experience joy and happiness, by finding other teens similar to themselves, going through a dark time. Despite having a harsh reputation, TikTok serves as a space for creators to share their testimonies which will aid their followers with their own struggles. With the help of content creators sharing their encounter with darkness which is depression, awareness is able to be spread throughout the platform, reaching those who need it most. Opposite to the perceptions of others, TikTok does not divide users, but rather brings them together through posts which are relatable to the masses, allowing for communities to be formed.

The TikTok algorithm contains a component similar to therapy, as it caters to the interest of the viewer, and what they find to be most interesting and helpful for their experience with the app. With this as a built-in feature of the app since its creation, some users may turn to the online platform to cure their depression, rather than a therapist or another form. Through the help of the creators on the app, the users are able to gain strategies which will help them overcome the grueling feelings of their depression, which contribute to the recovery of the individual. With the guidance and first hand experience of the creator, who may be an age close to that of a viewer, who went through the same or similar struggles, it allows the short video of the creator to serve as therapy for the depressed user. If the user feels extremely impacted by the advice and first hand account of the content creator who struggled with depression, then they may continue to reference and follow along with that specific creator’s journey within the recovery of depression, providing consistent relief for the now follower of the content. In extreme cases, one may even comment on a video or message a creator to speak more about the way in which they may have coped with their depression and lack of motivation, allowing them to form a community and find a friend and confidant on the app which serves as their theoretical therapy. Through the comment section on videos, a user may find others who have struggled with their battle with depression, allowing the community to consistently grow, reaching a larger audience who will be impacted by the testimonies of others. 

References

Avella, H. (2023). “TikTok ≠ therapy”: Mediating mental health and algorithmic mood disorders. New Media & Society, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448221147284Tang X, Ding X and Zhou Z. (2023).

Towards Equitable Online Participation: A Case of Older Adult Content Creators’ Role Transition on Short-form Video Sharing Platforms. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction. 7:CSCW2. (1-22). Online publication date: 28-Sep-2023.

Escapism Is A State Of Mind

After a long day of work or school, people tend to put on their comfort show to have peace of mind and relax their brains. Often it is inferred that the show could be comforting; That one might drift off and fantasize what life would be like if they had a life like their chosen comfort show. When one gets to the point that they fantasize it’s defined as escapism. Escapism is seeking a distraction or relief when the realities of life become too much.

The type of shows that society tends to navigate towards to escape their realities commonly collate with when life is easy and carefree. In other words, they watch shows that remind them of their childhood. The shows do not just have to be about their childhood but something that is not too far off from their reality but just enough that one can escape.

Like everything else Covid boosted entrepreneurship, DIY, and couch potatoes. With couch potatoes, they watch TV all day not moving. Escapism was most prominent during the most historical period. Imagine the world shutting down and nothing to do but stay in the house watch TV and eat. Well, that’s what people did and escapism came in full swing. All the time to dream about how life was when the world was open and interact with people. The only way to see the outside is by looking at TV shows where people interact and can be outside. The chart below shows what TV show ratings were boosted during COVID-19. Which demonstrates the type of shows people watched to escape reality.

One of the shows that I watch when college gets to be too much or just life in general is called A Different World. It’s based on the 90s about college students that go to an HBCU. Throughout the seasons it follows the storyline of the five main characters as they go through life in college. It’s far off to the point that I was not born in the 90’s and the social issues that were important to them are not so dire now. Their clothes were so casual-chic and baggy outfits and their financial situations are not so different from what college students financials are now. There’s this one character her name is Whitley and she’s rich, snobby, and thinks she’s superior to everyone but elegantly poised. Then she falls in love with someone that is the complete opposite of her but brings out the best in her.

Escapism can be anything that causes you relief and distracts you from unpleasant realities. In this case, TV is the most common example of escapism and how it operates. Whenever you have a bad day think about what relaxes you but don’t do it too much or you will fall into the trance of dreaming away your problems. Every once in a while imagining how life would be is not so bad if you can differentiate the reality.

References

Notebook, D. V. (2023, August 31). The Psychology of Escapism: Why Do People Choose to Escape? Medium. https://davincisnotebook.medium.com/the-psychology-of-escapism-why-do-people-choose-to-escape-7379977f075b

infographic: In Times of Crisis, Americans Binged “Comfort Food TV.” (n.d.). Statista Infographics. https://www.statista.com/chart/23940/most-streamed-tv-series-in-the-united-states/

What are the problems with banning books

Book banning has been a really big thing that is going on in the country today. It has been causing books to be removed from the shelves in the libraries at school. It has been going out of hand in some ways because books can get banned for the most ridiculous reasons just because of just one thing that is “too much.” When books get taken away from the school library, it causes children not to be able to read the books as easily and therefore may cause kids to have a lack of knowledge, and feel like they got something taken away from them.

When books get banned in schools it is because they often have something that is too dark or mature. But when books get banned in schools, It takes away freedom of speech and people feel like they are not being heard when books are taken away. In the article, When are book bans unconstitutional? A First Amendment scholar explains, “Censorship does not violate the Constitution unless the government does it.” This is explaining that censorship is allowed to happen in schools even though we have rights to voice our opinions. When books are banned in schools, people can’t read what they want to and books are a form of speech. Freedom of speech is a right that we all have and if banning books from the schools makes people feel like their freedom of speech is being violated, then schools are not understanding what are people’s basic rights.

Many times when books are banned from schools it is just because they have offensive language in them or have a sensitive topic. In the article, When are book bans unconstitutional? A First Amendment scholar explains, states that “removal from school curricula of books that marginalize minorities or use racially insensitive language, like the popular “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The quote is explaining that books can get removed from the schools because there is offensive language in them. If books are removed in schools because of that, then kids will not understand what was going on during that time period, and therefore will cause kids to have a lack of knowledge and may not be able to learn from the past and what was going on. Schools need to be teaching kids that the world is not a perfect place and that bad things can happen in the world.

There have been books that have gotten removed from the schools just because the characters in the books are different from them. In the article, When are book bans unconstitutional? A first amendment scholar explains, is showing us that, Most books targeted for banning in 2021, says the American Library Association, “were by or about Black or LGBTQIA+ persons.” When books are banned that are featuring minorities, they are taking away books that are seen from another person’s point of view. If there are people of that group, then they will feel like they are not being included or heard because they are not able to get a book from the library that is about them. Seeing the world from another person’s point of view can help kids learn that there are ways to educate yourself and knowing that there are different ways to see the world by reading a book from a different point of view.  

It is important for kids to learn about topics that are dark. When kids learn about serious or important issues, it helps them have more knowledge. In the article, Does banning books really help children? It states, “Urbani, now a professor of education at Northeastern University in Oakland and a childhood education expert, said we should be talking to children about uncomfortable topics and books allow for those conversations.” When kids learn about uncomfortable or serious topics, they will have an easier time understanding why learning what is right or wrong. Normalizing certain topics can let kids know that certain things are not always easy in life and learning about topics that are sensitive can help people understand different things more easily and by helping certain topics be normalized, It will cause people to be more open and educated about the world around them. 

Even though there may not be certain topics appropriate for certain ages, it still does not mean that books have to be banned in the library. In the article Does banning books really help children? “Urbani says each child will be different and she encourages parents to consider their child’s maturity level and be open to having conversations if their child reads something that confuses them or is beyond their maturity level.” Kids may mature at different ages and therefore might read books that are beyond their level. Even though parents may not think that the book is right for their kid, they should not have a right to take it away from someone else’s kid just because the topic is too mature. Some kids may be mature for their age and therefore could have a better understanding on the topic then others. 

In conclusion, banning books from the schools does not help or protect kids at all. In reality, books help kids see the world and by taking away from others does not help kids learn as much. In fact, kids will not learn as much if they do not have as many books covering certain topics as stated in the previous paragraphs above. Since books contain speech within them, banning them will be against the first amendment. People’s freedom of speech is an important thing that everyone needs to have no matter what. If books are banned just because there is a sensitive topic within it, then children might not be able to learn about the topics in the right way. While kids can learn outside of school, school is the place where we learn about topics when we start going to school. Books are an important part of education because reading is the topic that is showing information that is crucal

References

Kayata, Erin. “Does Banning Books Really Help Children?” Northeastern Global News, 18 Sept. 2023, news.northeastern.edu/2023/09/14/banning-books-harm-children/. 

Erica Goldberg                    Associate Professor of Law. “When Are Book Bans Unconstitutional? A First Amendment Scholar Explains.” The Conversation, 12 Sept. 2023, theconversation.com/when-are-book-bans-unconstitutional-a-first-amendment-scholar-explains-176225.